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Naked Ambition: TSA Wants New Generation Of Body Scanners

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

By Paul Martin

Machines will be able to see through more layers of clothing

Steve Watson
Prisonplanet.com
February 12, 2014

They were expensive, they didn’t work on a security level, they shredded privacy, and they carried significant potential safety risks, yet that didn’t stop the TSA from rolling out full body scanners without consulting Congress or the public – now the agency wants to roll out more enhanced versions of the imaging technology.

nextgov.com reports that Homeland Security is seeking “next-generation body imagers”, that will have the ability to scan through heavy coats and shoes, and not require agents to monitor video screens.

“Detection should occur through a minimum of 2 layers of clothing concealment where those layers are composed of cotton, cotton-polyester, wool, silk and leather materials among others,” DHS officials said.
A Market research survey released by the agency also notes that fliers should not have to stop and wait at security points, but should be able to walk straight through.

“People being scanned should not be required to significantly alter walking paths or divest beyond current procedures. An ultimate goal is to significantly reduce divesting of personal items such as shoes and reach a ‘screen-while-walk’ operational capability.” the document notes.